Chenonceau castle

The castle of Chenonceau was a romantic retreat for queens and mistresses of French kings during the renessaince. First mentioned in the 11th century, it was destroyed and rebuilt a number of times over the centuries. The current structure dates back to the 16th century. The castle was inhabited by Diane de Poitiers, mistress of king Henry II, and later by Catherine de Medicis, the wife of Henry II. The castle spans over the river Cher with the arched Pont de Diane bridge. Its interior is beautifully decorated and furnished. The castle is surrounded by a large park which includes the Catherine de Medicis gardens.